Electrical Circuit Breaker TrippingUpdated 10 days ago
The electrical circuit breaker trips when the amperage drawn by the pressure washer exceeds the breaker rating.
Please ensure that the installed breaker is rated higher than the amperage rating of the motor.
Please measure voltage at the outlet where the unit is being installed to ensure there is no voltage drop in the lines. If using an extension cable, please ensure you are using a cable of sufficient gauge, and less than the max recommended length. For pressure washers rated under 20 AMPs, we recommend using a 10-gauge cable with lengths not exceeding 50 ft. If the motor is rated above 20 AMPs, we recommend not using any extension cable.
Using multiple devices/ equipment on the same circuit would also cause voltage to drop, and the amperage to consequently increase.
Setting the Unloader
All electric pressure washers observe an amperage spike when they are switched on. Please back off the unloader valve by turning the knob counter- clockwise before switching on the pressure washer, and then gradually turn the knob clockwise to build pressure. Failure to do so could trip the circuit breaker. It would also reduce motor life considerably.
If the breaker trips before the unloader valve knob reaches the maximum limit, please stop turning the knob. Turn the unloader knob counter- clockwise a little and mark that spot as the max operating condition.
Troubleshooting the Pressure Washer
Please ensure that you are using the correct nozzle size. There is a nozzle size calculator at 1/4-in Quick-Connect Pressure Washing Spray Nozzles, Set of 5. Using a smaller size nozzle than recommended can also get the breaker to trip.
A clog in the system could get the motor to draw more amperage. Please visually check the gun, hose, and unloader valve. You may have to take the unloader off the pump to visually inspect it. If the issue is an internal component of the unloader, you will not see anything.
Please plug the motor back into the module.
- Run the machine without a nozzle at the tip of the gun. If it works fine, then the nozzle is clogged.
- If it still trips the breaker, run it without the gun.
- If it still trips the breaker, run it without the hose.
- If it still trips the breaker, run it without the unloader.
Note: The unloader valve is consumable and normally has a shorter life than the pump itself. A stuck unloader spring can also cause the breaker to trip.
At each of the above stages, please make sure you are feeding water into the pump.
- If the breaker is still tripping, then please take the pump off the motor and run it. If the motor spins freely, and the breaker does not trip, please turn the pump shaft manually to see if there is any interference.
What we are trying to figure out here is what component is causing the motor to work extra hard.
Please reach out to us [email protected] after this troubleshoot with your order number and findings. A short video of the system would be very helpful.